Laparoscopic Scissors Blade Actuation Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic scissors with high-profile extensions from the blades can interfere with tissue or other devices during use, and the deformation of insulation tubing can cause issues when withdrawing the scissors from a trocar.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic scissor design with a pivot pin that couples the blades and an actuation mechanism with flanking plates, allowing for a longitudinally slidable actuation mechanism within the elongate shaft, which reduces the operational height of the blades and minimizes interference with tissue or insulation tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blades are designed with slots proximal to the pivot location, then the blades can be actuated effectively, but the proximal portions of the blades extend beyond the outside diameter of the shaft and create interference with tissue or insulation tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the slot from a proximal location (extending beyond shaft diameter) to a distal location (within shaft diameter). This dimensional repositioning moves the slot from a harmful zone that interferes with tissue and insulation tubing to a safe zone that does not create interference, while still allowing effective blade actuation through the cam mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the proximal portions of the blades extend beyond the shaft diameter, then the blades can be actuated, but the insulation tubing becomes deformed and may catch on the cannula end during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the slot from a proximal position (outside shaft diameter) to a distal position (inside shaft diameter). This dimensional change ensures that the slot and associated actuation mechanism remain within the confines of the shaft diameter, preventing deformation of the insulation tubing that wraps around the shaft, thereby eliminating the risk of tubing catching on the cannula end during instrument withdrawal.
3Power
If the actuation mechanism is positioned to effectively actuate the blades, then cutting function is achieved, but the operational height of the blades increases and creates interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the slot from a proximal location (increasing operational height) to a distal location (reducing operational height). This dimensional repositioning lowers the operational height of the blade actuation mechanism, bringing it within the confines of the shaft diameter, thereby eliminating interference with tissue and insulation tubing while maintaining effective cutting function.
Data Source
AI summary
A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having apertures. A rivet or pivot pin can couple the scissor blades to the elongate shaft. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism slidable within the elongate shaft can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The elongate shaft can include a longitudinal guide to stabilize the motion of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can have a forked end including projections to flexibly maintain the spacing of the forked end.